The National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine is responsible for implementing the Erasmus+ program in Ukraine and coordinating it at the national level. This office provides information and advisory support to Ukrainian institutions of higher education. It helps universities navigate the program’s opportunities, prepare applications correctly, and understand the rules for participation in various Erasmus+ strands. It organizes information sessions, training workshops, and webinars for faculty, administrators, and international affairs coordinators. The Office also supports the Higher Education Reform Experts Network (HERE) and promotes the dissemination of project results. Collaboration with the office significantly increases the chances of successful participation in the program. It also helps institutions find partners and stay informed about current deadlines and news. It is a key national resource for developing cooperation within the Erasmus+ program.
The Horizon Europe Program Office in Ukraine provides support for the program’s implementation at the national level. It is a national body that assists Ukrainian researchers and institutions in participating in the EU’s Framework Program for Research and Innovation. The Office provides advice on calls for proposals, preparing project applications, forming consortia, and the financial and legal aspects of participation. It coordinates a network of National Contact Points (NCPs) across the program’s various thematic areas. The office regularly holds informational events, training sessions, and webinars, and also assists in finding European partners. The office’s guidance helps avoid common mistakes when submitting applications and enhances the competitiveness of projects. It also provides information on current opportunities and deadlines.
COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology
COST is a European intergovernmental network organization that funds the creation of research networks, known as COST Actions, across all scientific and technological fields. The program is structured on a “bottom-up” principle: researchers themselves form networks based on their own research interests by submitting applications to an open COST call for proposals. Unlike grant programs, COST does not fund the research itself but covers the costs of networking activities: conferences, workshops, short-term scientific missions, training sessions, and the dissemination of results. This makes participation very accessible even for institutions with limited resources. The organization places special emphasis on involving researchers from less research-intensive countries, and Ukraine is a full member of COST.
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the world’s largest organization supporting international exchange among students and researchers, bringing together German institutions of higher education and their student organizations. The service offers a wide range of scholarships for study, research, and internships in Germany for students, graduate students, faculty, and researchers at all levels. The DAAD also funds institutional partnerships, joint educational programs, and development projects between German and foreign universities. Special support programs are available for Ukraine, particularly for researchers and students affected by the war.
BAYHOST is the Bavarian Academic Center for Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, which promotes academic cooperation between Bavaria and countries in the region, particularly Ukraine. The center provides scholarships for graduate students and early-career researchers from partner countries to study and conduct research at Bavarian universities. BAYHOST also organizes summer language courses and informational events, and supports the development of institutional partnerships. The related initiatives “Research in Bavaria” and “Study in Bavaria” provide practical information for researchers and students planning to come to Bavaria.
NAWA (National Agency for Academic Exchange in Poland) is a Polish government agency responsible for the internationalization of Polish higher education and science. The agency offers scholarships to students, graduate students, faculty, and researchers, and funds mobility and institutional cooperation programs. Among its programs are special initiatives for Ukrainian researchers and students, including support during the war. NAWA also promotes the study of the Polish language and culture and the development of joint educational projects.
The NWO (Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) is one of the Netherlands’ leading institutions, funding scientific research across all fields of knowledge and supporting more than 7,500 research projects at universities and research institutions. The Council allocates funds for basic and applied research through competitive grant programs, operates ten of its own research institutes, and places an emphasis on basic science. NWO supports both individual research grants and large-scale thematic programs, as well as international collaboration. For foreign institutions, opportunities for participation are typically realized through joint projects with Dutch partners.
SIA (Regieorgaan SIA) is a Dutch organization that funds applied research and is part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). Its primary mission is to promote collaboration between institutions of applied (vocational) higher education, businesses, and civil society organizations. SIA funds projects focused on practical results and solving real-world social and economic challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on partnerships between researchers and practitioners to implement innovations.
The British Council is an international organization of the United Kingdom, founded in 1934, that works in the fields of cultural relations and educational opportunities in more than 150 countries around the world. The organization has been operating in Ukraine since 1992 and supports the development of the English language, higher education reform, academic cooperation, and cultural projects. Its activities include professional development programs for English language teachers, support for the internationalization of universities, and the development of employability skills. The British Council also fosters partnerships between Ukrainian and British higher education institutions. The organization offers resources, training, and opportunities to establish contacts with British institutions. Its programs often focus on institutional development and improving the quality of education.
American Councils for International Education is an international nonprofit organization that, since 1974, has been implementing educational and exchange programs, language programs, and professional development programs in more than 80 countries around the world, and its alumni community numbers in the tens of thousands. The organization has been operating in Ukraine since 1992, working closely with the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Education and Science, and administers a range of academic exchange, scholarship, and professional development programs for students, faculty, and professionals. Notable programs include exchanges for students and scholars, language programs, and leadership development initiatives. American Councils also fosters connections among alumni of U.S. programs and promotes institutional cooperation. The organization has extensive experience working in Ukraine and a broad network of contacts.
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is Germany’s central, self-governing organization for research funding, supporting research across all fields of knowledge. The DFG funds research projects at universities and public research institutions in Germany, but does not conduct research itself nor operate research centers. The Society operates on a “bottom-up” principle: researchers themselves determine the topics, and projects undergo a thorough expert evaluation. Among the DFG’s funding instruments are individual research grants, programs for researchers at various career stages, large collaborative research centers, and research awards. For foreign institutions, collaboration typically takes the form of joint projects with German partners. The Society also supports international scientific cooperation, particularly through joint programs with other countries.
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is a Swedish government agency responsible for implementing Sweden’s international cooperation and development policy. The agency funds programs in the areas of democracy and human rights, sustainable development, education, environmental protection, economic growth, and humanitarian aid. Sida has historically been an active supporter of countries in Central and Eastern Europe and is currently one of the donors assisting Ukraine, particularly in reconstruction, governance development, and support for civil society. Funding is typically provided through partner organizations, programs, and projects, rather than directly to individuals. Participation involves joining partnerships or consortia within the framework of announced programs.
The Estonian Research Council is a state institution in Estonia that coordinates and funds scientific research in the country. The Council awards research grants, supports researcher mobility, promotes science, and participates in international cooperation. ETAG administers national grant programs and facilitates the participation of Estonian researchers in European initiatives. For foreign institutions, opportunities are typically realized through joint projects with Estonian partners or mobility programs. Estonia has a well-developed digital and scientific infrastructure, making it a convenient partner. Participation involves establishing contacts with Estonian research teams.
The French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) is France’s largest public research organization and one of the world’s leading research institutions, covering all fields of knowledge. The CNRS maintains a network of research laboratories (often in partnership with universities) and brings together tens of thousands of researchers. The organization funds and conducts basic and applied research, and supports international collaboration, joint laboratories, and mobility programs. Opportunities for foreign researchers are typically realized through joint projects, internships, or placements in CNRS laboratories. Participation requires a host laboratory or a French partner. The CNRS also actively participates in European research programs.
The Council for International Research and Exchange is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in the United States that implements educational and development programs and initiatives aimed at bringing about positive and sustainable change in the world. The organization works in the areas of education, leadership development, independent media, digital literacy, and youth and civic engagement. IREX has extensive experience working in Ukraine and implements a range of programs here for students, professionals, educators, and civic leaders. These programs include exchange programs, professional development, media literacy support, and community development. IREX frequently administers programs funded by the U.S. government and other donors. The organization has an extensive network of contacts and alumni.
The American Association of University-Educated Women is an American organization founded in 1881 that promotes equality and expands opportunities for women and girls through education, research, and advocacy. The Association provides scholarships and grants, including international scholarships for women from other countries who wish to pursue education or conduct research in the United States. The organization also funds projects aimed at closing the gender gap in education and careers. International scholarships are competitive, with specific annual deadlines. The Association supports women at various stages of their academic and professional careers.
The American Council of Learned Societies is a U.S. nonprofit federation of learned societies founded in 1919 that supports research in the humanities and social sciences. The Council awards prestigious fellowships and grants to scholars at various stages of their careers, funding research projects as well as international scholarly collaboration. ACLS also implements specific programs to support researchers in situations of risk and displaced scholars. The selection process is highly competitive and based on scholarly merit. Some programs require affiliation with U.S. institutions, while others are more broadly accessible.
The Woodrow Wilson International Center is an American think tank and research center in Washington, D.C., that combines academic research with public policy analysis. The center offers fellowships to scholars, experts, and professionals conducting research at the intersection of science and policy. Among its divisions are programs dedicated to Europe and Ukraine, making the center particularly relevant for Ukrainian researchers. Fellowship recipients gain access to resources, a network of experts, and a platform for disseminating their findings. The selection process is competitive, with clear annual deadlines. The center supports both long-term fellowships and short-term research visits.
The Joan Shorenstein Center is a research center at the Harvard Kennedy School that studies the intersection of media, politics, and public policy. The Center offers fellowships to journalists, scholars, and professionals conducting research in the fields of media, communications, and democracy. Fellows gain access to Harvard’s resources, the academic community, and a platform for disseminating their findings. The selection process is highly competitive. The Center primarily supports short-term research stays.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is Canada’s primary government agency responsible for funding research in the natural sciences and engineering. The Council supports university research, scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, collaboration between science and industry, and the development of scientific talent. NSERC focuses primarily on Canadian institutions and researchers, but it also supports international collaboration through joint projects. Direct funding for foreign institutions is generally not provided. NSERC plays a key role in the Canadian research system.
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science is Japan’s leading government agency that funds scientific research in all fields of knowledge. The Society supports basic research, international scientific collaboration, scholar exchanges, and mobility programs. JSPS is known for its prestigious fellowships, which enable foreign researchers to conduct research at Japanese universities and research institutions. The fellowships cover all fields of science and are designed for various career stages. Participation typically requires a host researcher at a Japanese institution. JSPS also funds joint seminars and research projects.
